The Dundenieki are the only ones in the Balvi region who work with traditional ceramics and revive the customary practices of the Northern Latgale handicraft, characterised by the inside of a vessel being fully glazed whereas its outside covered by the glazing only to a third. The Dundenieki do not rely on ceramics alone – according to Valdis, "a craftsman may have periods of ‘riding the wave’ but the situation changes rapidly", which is why the majority of craftsmen have side-jobs. Likewise, in their everyday lives Jolanta and Valdis are occupied with other affairs in the centre of Bērzpils.
Their free-time, however, they spend in the workshop where with the help of the wheel and clay new kitchenware takes shape. The work is finalized in a kiln conveniently located in the barn. Jolanta and Valdis Dundenieki will surely continue to preserve the authenticity of Latgale ceramics.
